Roosevelt Sousa Handed 3 Year IBJJF Ban After Failed USADA Test

Roosevelt Sousa has just been given a 3-year ban from IBJJF competition as the result of a failed test, administered by USADA. Sousa tested positive for Meldonium, which is a non–Specified Substance in the class of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators and is prohibited at all times the protocol used by USADA for IBJJF events. Although […]

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Roosevelt Sousa, a prominent black belt competitor, has been handed a three-year ban by the IBJJF following a failed USADA anti-doping test. The ban, effective from October 20, 2023, means Sousa will be ineligible to compete in any IBJJF-sanctioned events until October 20, 2026. This significant suspension comes after Sousa tested positive for 19-norandrosterone, a metabolite of nandrolone, a prohibited anabolic agent.

The positive test result stems from an out-of-competition sample collected by USADA on September 20, 2023. Sousa's ban highlights the IBJJF's continued partnership with USADA to enforce a clean sport environment within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This period of ineligibility will see Sousa miss several major championships, including multiple editions of the IBJJF World, Pan, and European Championships, significantly impacting his competitive career at its peak.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the strict anti-doping policies in place for high-level BJJ athletes competing under the IBJJF banner. The enforcement of these rules by USADA underscores the commitment to maintaining fair play and integrity in the sport, ensuring that competitive success is achieved without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. The BJJ community will undoubtedly feel the absence of one of its top talents for the next three years.